Category: Anand Ramlogan

Former Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert (Retired)

September 2, 2010 by Christian Khabay

With all this talk as to why Mr. James Philbert was fired, my own belief that we are a nation of imitators and followers is being proven each additional day this issue continues to hog headlines. One commentary says:

Whatever Mr Philbert's failures in his stint as police chief; he cannot be accused of conducting himself unprofessionally.

The commentator in his own words has acknowledged “Mr. Philbert’s failures…” but his professionalism is sound. So, based on this are we to conclude that once you perform professionally but fail in performance you ought not be fired? As likeable, approachable and media–friendly a CoP is, he’s being paid by the state to perform his duties effectively and deliver positive results. Under Mr. Philbert’s watch the bad has significantly outweighed the good. The simple fact is that given Mr. Philbert’s seniority in the TTPS (and he is the most senior) his competencies are not in line with the escalating demands of the office of CoP. This in itself justifies this administration’s and the previous one’s decision to expand its search for someone who has the capacity and experience to deal with this virtually impossible situation.

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What's Missing In This Article?

August 14, 2010 by Taran Rampersad

When I read 'Blow The Whistle'  in the Trinidad Express, I couldn't help but notice that something was missing. Here's the hint: 

...Ramlogan is now issuing a call for all whistle-blowers who want to help in the blanket audit...

Give up? OK, I'll help. It's an article that goes in depth about what a group is investigating that notes that they are looking for whistle-blowers...

And it doesn't tell people how to blow their whistles, which makes it as effective as getting an anonymous note that 'someone likes you'.

Anand's Bazaar

July 27, 2010 by Christian Khabay

Politics and by extension political office, carries with it onerous burdens that more times than not is thankless. When considering running for public office one must consider this seriously and the public should also have this awareness and admire those who do. It never, ever ends well and the final price is usually public shame, ostracization, jail and sometimes, death. Just ask Bas and Patos.

Prior to the General Elections I was disappointed to see the now honourable Attorney General unceremoniously leave the COP and cast Mr. Dookeran in a discourteous and tasteless light. I saw his move as one rooted in opportunism and betrayal. Had he not done so I believe he would have still been made Attorney General.

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'Property Tax' or 'Property Tax Reform'? Get It Right.

June 2, 2010 by Taran Rampersad

I wish that someone in authority would specify whether the property tax itself will be rescinded or whether it is simply the reforms passed last year. The PP Manifesto indicates that this is the Property Tax itself by stating: "We will rescind the property tax." That's item 3 in the list of promises.

And the definition of 'rescind' is fairly clear.

So - no more property tax? That's what this Guardian article's title communicates as well. Even the article seem to confuse the issue.

Will someone simply state what they mean?

Look at the title of the article, for example. This NEEDS to be clarified for the masses, Trinidad Guardian, and I'm somewhat disappointed that I have to say so. If its only the reform, the title is misleading. It seems obvious that this should only be the Property Tax reform instead of the Property Tax itself, but somehow the media and politicians can't make the distinction... or choose not to.

It isn't as if we haven't been paying attention to the Property Tax.

T&T 'Fire In The Belly' Politics.

March 13, 2010 by Taran Rampersad

There has been plenty of talk regarding Anand Ramlogan's comments on Winston Dookeran as compared to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, where Mr. Ramlogan commented that Winston Dookeran and his lack of charisma and/or passion  would not bring change to Trinidad and Tobago - thus explaining his personal motive for switching from the Congress of the People (COP) to the United National Congress (UNC-A). Some say that it was in poor taste, some say that it was accurate, some say that it was divisive to the Opposition to the ruling party (PNM), and some don't really care.

I'll just say its politics and that, knowing Anand Ramlogan's works for the regular people of Trinidad and Tobago second hand, I do respect him but it doesn't mean I agree with him in all things. With this, I am not certain and I am compelled to explain the principle of why I am uncertain.

And in explaining this, I'm not taking a political stance between COP and UNC-A, or between Winston Dookeran and Kamla Persad-Bissessar. I'm not even disagreeing (or agreeing) with Anand Ramlogan's comments. It all seems pointless to me, but it compels me to write about this in a broader context.

The Principle, The Opinion. {Read more}